Japan
Epcot

INTRODUCTION

The bright red torii gate, which welcomes
visitors to Japan, can be seen from around the World Showcase
Lagoon. As your eyes move away from the lagoon, you see the
blue-roofed 5 story Goju-no-to pagoda inspired by a shrine built at Nara
in 700 A.D.

ATTRACTION

Bijutsu-kan
Gallery --
This gallery has continuously changing exhibits reflecting the Japanese
culture. The current exhibit is: "Spirit Beasts: From Ancient Stories to Anime Stars". Explore the myths and legends that gave rise to the modern Anime culture.

This exhibit looks at how many anime characters and their traits are derived from ancient Japanese characters. As an introductory plaque says: "For centuries, heroic animals and magical creatures have appeared in traditional Japanese myths, stories and art. Today, they are the heroes and villains of Japan's manga comics and anime. These "spirited beasts" from Japan's past have become pop culture superstars, known and loved around the world. Join us as we celebrate these mysterious, magical and mischievous animal figures."

ENTERTAINMENT

Matsuriza
- the Japanese drums can be heard half way around World Showcase.

TOURING TIPS

Walking straight to the back of the pavilion
area, you will cross a bridge that leads into the Castle. Just before
the bridge, stop and look on both sides of you -- there are 2 Samurai
Warriors on Horses!

Spend some time in the beautiful hill
garden where you will find rocks, flowers, lanterns, pebbles, water, foot
paths and rustic bridges. Koi fish make a home in the pond in the garden.

Mitsukoshi
Department Store - has some fascinating displays you'll want to find
including fans, dolls, Japanese Swords and fresh water pearls. Your
children will be happy to find Pokemon cards for sale in the shops
in Japan!

On a nice
day, take your goodies from the Katsura Grill and sit outside
at the tables near the Japanese festive lights and the water.

KIDS AND CHARACTERS

Each of the World Showcase countries
has a special "KIDCOT" area that provides an opportunity
for your child to interact with a native of the country you are visiting.

Melanie
writes: I just wanted to reply that my when we go to Epcot my family
loves the Japan Pavilion! Everything seems so calm in the midst of the
hustle and bustle of the World showcase! My daughter especially likes
the the department store. They have alot of great things for kids and
teenagers alike!! I like their candy and the little bonsai trees!!

Epcot Passports
are great fun for kids as they have them stamped at each pavilion around
World Showcase.

"With 10,000 square feet
of retail space in the Mitsukoshi Department Store, the Shoppers had
plenty of souvenirs to choose from and lots to see. If you've never
taken the time to browse here, make a point to do so on your next trip.
There are wonderful displays of items from Japan, including dolls, fine
porcelain, kimonos, Japanese handcrafts, elegant jewelry, snacks, kitchenware,
cookbooks, kids' toys and so much more.

INTERESTING FACTS

The
five 5 levels of the Goju-no-to pagoda (85 feet tall) represent
the elements from which Buddhists believe all things are created: earth,
water, fire wind and sky.

Above the Goju-no-topagoda
is a bronze, nine-ringed sorin, or spire, with gold wind chimes
and a water flame.

To the right of the courtyard, stands the
Shishinden, inspired by the ceremonial and coronation hall found
in the Imperial Palace grounds in Kyoto. The Shishinden was built
in 794. It is said to be one of the first true styles of Japanese architecture.

On the east side of the courtyard the massive
wood and stone Nijo entry castle with its huge sculptures of mounted
samurai warriors beckons guests through the courtyard. Passing through
it, visitors cross a wide bridge spanning a moat to the Shirasagigi or
White Egret Castle with its curved stone walls, white plaster structures
and blue tile roofs. Its style dates from the mid-1300s. In feudal times,
great castles dominated the Japanese countryside. Inhabitants of the castle
towns found great refuge in their walls. The Shirasagigi, overlooking
the city of Himeji, is one of the best preserved castles of early Japan.
The great beauty and strength of the bhold are captured in the majestic
fortress.

Gardening is a precise art in Japan.
Every object and its placement in the garden has a special meaning. Here
activity, symbolism, and a reverence for nature blend with intense maintenance
to create a garden with a truly unique beauty.

ARCHIVES:

Miyuki - the Candy Lady - Retired in November 2013. Miyuki was part of Epcot's
Japan since 1996.

The Yakitori House closed in 2011 (reopened in December 2011 as Katsura Grill) - a small
version of the Shoken-tei in the Kyoto Imperial Villa gardens.
This rustic building with its thatched roof serves is a counter service restaurant serving beef, chicken and Udon noodles.

Bijutsu-kan
Gallery previously housed an exhibit called "Tin Toys". These toys were just one of
many things introduced in Japan as part of the turn of the century transformation
the Emperor had for his people. The earliest tin toys came from Europe
and were very popular. Soon Japanese toymakers were duplicating the toys
and creating new ones based on Japanese folklore. Many of the tin toys
are spring operated and can be wound to "come to life" to the
delight of those playing with them.

During the
50's and 60's, tin toys enjoyed their golden years as their popularity
spread around the globe. The toys included aliens, robots, spaceman, vehicles
and more.

Japan's Tin
Toy Master is Teruhisa Kitahara. His 7 toy museums in Japan have almost
50,000 tin toys, many rare. A small portion of his collection is on display
in Epcot's Japan! Be sure to stop by and take a look. I was amazed at
the variety and detail on the toys (and yes, there are some vintage Disney
ones too)

Teppanyaki
Dining Room, Teppan Grill and Matsu-no-ma Lounge all
closed in 2007 for a total rehab.

Karakuri - Magical Toys
of Japan - (Exhibit in the late 1990s until mid-2000 )
Three zones of toys were on display. Yesterday's Zone is
the Playful Spirit of Karakuri puppets and traditional Japanese toys.
There is also a "hands on area" for kids. The Today Zone includes
the delicate artistry of porcelain puppets. The Tomorrow Zone includes
advanced technology displayed in the Lion Dance "Shishi-Mai"
robot and Audio-Animatronic.